<p>I'm trying to figure out the differences between Berkeley and UMich's EECS program and undergrad general quality of life.</p>
<p>Last month I went up to tour Michigan and was really impressed... the people were friendly, all the EECS buildings looked new and well-maintained, the housing environment looked good (you can even tell how much time is left on the washing machines from their website!), and the Computer Engineering curriculum we were shown seemed interesting and exciting. They have CNC machines and laser cutters for student use, and a very cool Nanofab Lab.</p>
<p>However, I would wager I could say much the same about UC Berkeley's EECS department. Berkeley's engineering programs are ranked higher, and it seems to have more research opps and more student diversity.</p>
<p>Can anyone here shed some light on the differences between the EECS curriculum and student environment of either school?</p>
<p>A troubled college student thanks you in advance!</p>
<p>What state are you from? Berkeley is the best state school in the country so I would choose to go there unless you get into an elite private school.</p>
<p>Can you comfortably afford the extra cost of either compared to Virginia Tech?</p>
<p>Berkeley may have an edge in internship and post-graduation recruiting by small Silicon Valley computer companies that may not have the time or resources to travel to recruit.</p>
<p>With respect to the actual EECS curriculum at Berkeley, it is much less specified than at many other schools. There are no specifically required EE or CS upper division courses; students, with advisor approval, can choose any combination of such courses to meet the upper division EECS unit requirements and design course requirement.</p>
<p>Pages 18-20 describe the CS major in the College of Letters and Science. This does specify two CS courses (CS 170 algorithms and CS 162 operating systems) among the upper division CS course requirements (four more upper division CS courses and an upper division technical elective from CS, EE, or some other departments).</p>
<p>Interesting… I didn’t realize that Berkeley’s curriculum was so open. Also, it makes sense that it would probably have an edge in internships/jobs.</p>
<p>I’m in the military, so the Yellow Ribbon program offsets the out-of-state status of these schools.</p>
<p>Note, however, that if you are a transfer student, you may not be able to get course equivalency for the required lower division courses CS 61A, CS 61B, CS 61C, EE 20N, and EE 40 at many other colleges. This may mean having to take most or all of them after transfer, which may result in taking more than four semesters to graduate after transfer.</p>
<p>My link above doesn’t work for non-students, but it was supposed to show that Berkeley too has a site that can tell how much time is left on the washing machines. Not saying you should come here though.</p>
<p>I got my computer science degree from UC Berkeley and my husband got his computer engineering degree from U of M. I grew up in SF area and husband grew up in Mich. I went to the U of M campus several times. U of M was one of son’s choices. He finally went to UCLA.</p>
<p>Both Berkeley and Michigan are good schools with good programs.</p>
<p>Do you mind long cold winter (very cold if you are from warm climate)? Or would you prefer mild weather nor Cal?</p>
<p>Do you prefer small college town, Ann Arbor? Or urban Berkeley with HOBOs around campus, usually not on the engineering side though?</p>
<p>Do you prefer large, multiple campus where you have to take the bus? Or smaller campus where you can walk from one end to the other?</p>
<p>There are some more differences but I got to go make dinner now :)</p>
<p>BusyMei, could you comment on the educational aspects of the two schools? My son already has admission in BioE at U. Michigan and we are hoping he gets in to UCB. Ranking wise U Michigan ranks higher than UCB for BioE. We would prefer UCB as we are from bay area.</p>
<p>Thanks for your post BusyMei. I kind of like cold weather (I grew up in cold places) but California weather doesn’t sound bad either! Interesting about the campus environment, though… Ann Arbor truly had a quintessential college town feel. But Berkeley’s smaller campus is a plus.</p>
<p>Aack, too many things to think about. I’m planning to visit Cal Day, so I guess I’ll see whether Berkeley is a right fit then.</p>